All Blacks prepare for Scotland

2 October 2008 09:45am

By

Sitiveni Sivivatu

A host of New Zealand stars - including superstar winger Sitiveni Sivivatu - return to action for their provinces this weekend as the All Blacks begin their preparations for the Test against Scotland in a month's time.

Sivivatu and Test colleagues Sione Lauaki and Richard Kahui have been named in the Waikato side to confront a Taranaki team bolstered by the return of first-choice All Black hooker Andrew Hore.

With the Air New Zealand Cup reaching its cut-throat stage, Auckland are set to welcome back forwards John Afoa, Jerome Kaino and Keven Mealamu.

Scotland will face New Zealand on November 8 at Murrayfield seeking their first-ever victory over the All Blacks.

Meanwhile world champions South Africa may not have a team manager when they arrive in Edinburgh for the second Test of Scotland's autumn series.

Andy Marinos, who filled the position on a caretaker basis after no position could be found before the summer, has left the role to become the temporary MD of SA Rugby.